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نسرين ومدرستها السريّة-Nisrine wa madrasatiha asseḥriya
منذ رحيل والدَيها، لم تنطق الصغيرة نسرين بكلمة واحدة. سعيًا منها لمساعدة حفيدتها، تقرِّر جدَّة نسرين أن تجازف بكل شيء لإلحاقها بمدرسة سرِّية للفتيات فهل تنجح جهود معلمة متفانية، ومحاولات رفيقة وفيّة في إخراجها من قوقعة حزنها؟ هذه القصّة الحقيقيّة التي تدور أحداثها في أفغانستان، تلامس قلوب قارئيها حيثما كانوا، إذ تؤكد على قوة الثَّقافة وأهمّيّتها في تغيير المصائر إلى الأفضل، وتبرز قدرة الحب على شفاء القلوب الكئيبة والنُّفوس الجريحة...
42 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
August 27, 2018
This short picture book takes the reader into war-torn Afghanistan during a harsh period of Taliban control. Still, it touches on themes of hope, faith and the power of education. How education can set one free. Flowers can bloom in the harshest environments.
January 29, 2018
I read Jeannette Winter's Nasreen's Secret School a couple of years ago, and even today, I remain in awe of the fact that in defiance of the Taliban, these secret schools for girls existed in Afghanistan (and probably still do). To claim that the brave women who opened Nasreens's secret school (and other such institutions) are courageous is almost a bit of an understatement. For if Nasreen's school had been discovered, these women (as well as their pupils) would have faced draconian punishments; they might very well have been killed (probably hacked or stoned to death by some rabid, hate-filled mob of braying hound-like crazies).
For many if not most of us in North America and Western Europe, the idea of education not being universally available is something we cannot fathom all that easily. And even more to the point, we can often not really comprehend that the mere pursuit of education can be dangerous and possibly have deadly consequences. Many of us have never had to live in the shadow of a dictatorship, or under the arbitrary rules of unenlightened, undemocratic, often mentally unstable megalomaniacs, (although the present situation in the USA is indeed and sadly becoming more and more akin and alike to the latter). And thus, while we might find Nasreen's Secret School uplifting, the story might still seem a trifle strange and foreign to us, as we simply cannot easily imagine that the very pursuit of basic education could lead to arrest, to imprisonment, to being hacked to death or stoned to death. And really, the mere fact that Nasreen's grandmother enrolled her in a secret school for girls is in many ways even more brave and admirable (and also potentially dangerous), as the family was probably already being watched and monitored by the Taliban (seeing that the parents had more than likely been killed by them). An important book is Nasreen's Secret School, with an essential message, one that was relevant during the Taliban rule in Afghanistan and is (unfortunately) still just as relevant today, as the Taliban are again powerful and increasingly deadly (the vicious, deadly attacks by the Taliban on Malala and other schoolgirls demonstrate how much of an issue education for girls still is in Afghanistan and Pakistan, how dangerous the Taliban and their psychotic rage still are, and that many support them, or at least, are too afraid not to support them). And SHAME and millions of curses on the unenlightened, racially bigoted ignoramuses who have tried to get this book banned in the USA; they are nothing but a bunch of freaking Nazis (and a bunch of wannabe Taliban and ISIS supporters, even if they claim to be "Christian").
For many if not most of us in North America and Western Europe, the idea of education not being universally available is something we cannot fathom all that easily. And even more to the point, we can often not really comprehend that the mere pursuit of education can be dangerous and possibly have deadly consequences. Many of us have never had to live in the shadow of a dictatorship, or under the arbitrary rules of unenlightened, undemocratic, often mentally unstable megalomaniacs, (although the present situation in the USA is indeed and sadly becoming more and more akin and alike to the latter). And thus, while we might find Nasreen's Secret School uplifting, the story might still seem a trifle strange and foreign to us, as we simply cannot easily imagine that the very pursuit of basic education could lead to arrest, to imprisonment, to being hacked to death or stoned to death. And really, the mere fact that Nasreen's grandmother enrolled her in a secret school for girls is in many ways even more brave and admirable (and also potentially dangerous), as the family was probably already being watched and monitored by the Taliban (seeing that the parents had more than likely been killed by them). An important book is Nasreen's Secret School, with an essential message, one that was relevant during the Taliban rule in Afghanistan and is (unfortunately) still just as relevant today, as the Taliban are again powerful and increasingly deadly (the vicious, deadly attacks by the Taliban on Malala and other schoolgirls demonstrate how much of an issue education for girls still is in Afghanistan and Pakistan, how dangerous the Taliban and their psychotic rage still are, and that many support them, or at least, are too afraid not to support them). And SHAME and millions of curses on the unenlightened, racially bigoted ignoramuses who have tried to get this book banned in the USA; they are nothing but a bunch of freaking Nazis (and a bunch of wannabe Taliban and ISIS supporters, even if they claim to be "Christian").
September 17, 2010
A very important story about the power of an education and the beauty of optimism, persistence and ingenuity in the face of adversity. I also really appreciated the author's note at the beginning, clarifying the differences between women's status in pre-Taliban Afghanistan to what came after. I think this was an excellent way to show that it was a select group of people, not "all Muslims" or "the Muslim religion", limiting the rights of women. Unfortunately, I can't say I was wild about the style of the illustrations(though I appreciated the content and what the illustrator was trying to convey--I think they were effective, just not really my style. Though I did love the illustration toward the end where Nasreen was imagining her parents on the clouds on the horizon!) Still, this is a very special story, both heartbreaking and uplifting. And, for any kid in America who complains about going to school--gosh, read them this book!!!
February 20, 2013
Nasreen's Secret School is based off a true story from Afghanistan. It's about a girl named Nasreen and her grandmother. It starts with soldiers coming to their town and creating havoc. Then Nasreen's father is taken by the soldier and is not seen again. Then the mother goes out to try to look for him, and she is never seen again also. Nasreen never talked after her parents disappeared. Her grandmother then sends her to a secret school, since going to school for girls was illegal for them, and she learns a lot of things and starts talking once more about what she have learned that day.
This book is recommended for ages 6 and up. I recommend this book for teachers to read to their students, because it teaches the value of having school, and the importance of knowledge. It also teaches that it should be a privilege to go to school because there are some kids who want to go to school, but can't.
I think the book is good because, it shows how life could be in a different country. It also shows the importance of knowledge and makes you appreciate the kind of life you have.
This book is recommended for ages 6 and up. I recommend this book for teachers to read to their students, because it teaches the value of having school, and the importance of knowledge. It also teaches that it should be a privilege to go to school because there are some kids who want to go to school, but can't.
I think the book is good because, it shows how life could be in a different country. It also shows the importance of knowledge and makes you appreciate the kind of life you have.
September 14, 2010
This book tells the painful story of what it was like to be female in Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban, and especially how an education was denied to women. A brave group indeed went against the law and held a secret school that gave hope to these girls.
The story of Nasreen herself is so sad, presumably losing both her father and mother to an Afghan prison (or worse). The spark of hope that an education brings is told very well through both the words and illustrations in this book. I highly recommend this one.
The story of Nasreen herself is so sad, presumably losing both her father and mother to an Afghan prison (or worse). The spark of hope that an education brings is told very well through both the words and illustrations in this book. I highly recommend this one.
October 3, 2016
My ninth, and last, book for Banned Books Week.
This was just a heartbreaking, beautiful picture book about war in Afghanistan. It is told from the POV of the grandma. Who sees her son being taken away, who sees her son's wife go after him and never return, who sees the despair and sadness take place in her granddaughter Nasreen. She does something that doesn't seem much, but is a huge deal for Nasreen in the end, she makes sure Nasreen can go to school.
Of course it being strictly forbidden for females to go outside alone, to study, to learn, to work, to do anything really, so they have to do it sneakily and stealthy, hoping and praying that they never will be found out.
I felt so sorry for Nasreen. She doesn't have much, only her grandma. Her parents are gone, who knows where, and all she can do is sit at home. Until her grandma makes that wonderful plan, and even then it took a long time for Nasreen to finally open up, to finally trust the world a little bit more.
There was just one thing that I missed, maybe it was never found out (knowing how the stuff there goes), but I do wish we would have seen how it ended up with Nasreen's parents. Are they still alive? Are they in some kind of jail? Or are they dead? I just missed that bit of closure.
But I definitely was impressed by this book, and I loved it. I am glad I picked this one to be one of my Banned Books Week books.
I would recommend this book to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This was just a heartbreaking, beautiful picture book about war in Afghanistan. It is told from the POV of the grandma. Who sees her son being taken away, who sees her son's wife go after him and never return, who sees the despair and sadness take place in her granddaughter Nasreen. She does something that doesn't seem much, but is a huge deal for Nasreen in the end, she makes sure Nasreen can go to school.
Of course it being strictly forbidden for females to go outside alone, to study, to learn, to work, to do anything really, so they have to do it sneakily and stealthy, hoping and praying that they never will be found out.
I felt so sorry for Nasreen. She doesn't have much, only her grandma. Her parents are gone, who knows where, and all she can do is sit at home. Until her grandma makes that wonderful plan, and even then it took a long time for Nasreen to finally open up, to finally trust the world a little bit more.
There was just one thing that I missed, maybe it was never found out (knowing how the stuff there goes), but I do wish we would have seen how it ended up with Nasreen's parents. Are they still alive? Are they in some kind of jail? Or are they dead? I just missed that bit of closure.
But I definitely was impressed by this book, and I loved it. I am glad I picked this one to be one of my Banned Books Week books.
I would recommend this book to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 30, 2010
This is one of six books, and the last I read, for the September discussion at the Children's Books group's Picture Book Club, whose theme for the month is “back to school” books.
This is a Global Fund for Children book. It’s based on a real girl and her grandmother; the grandmother tells the story.
Nasreen and her grandmother are Muslim and live in Herat during the reign of the Talaban. Some horrific things happen and Nasreen develops elective mutism. Her grandmother, showing great courage, and hoping to help her, enrolls her in an illegal school. How the experience at school eventually helps Nasreen is inspiring and heartwarming.
I love how the characters’ Muslim religion is shown in a positive light and it’s the soldiers and Talaban who are shown to be the people causing problems.
The illustrations are lovely and I enjoy how their content changed as Nasreen learns about the world, its art and culture, and how she also makes a friend.
It’s infuriating how females were (are) not allowed their freedoms, including the opportunity to be educated. The importance of education is shown in this simple but powerful story.
This is a Global Fund for Children book. It’s based on a real girl and her grandmother; the grandmother tells the story.
Nasreen and her grandmother are Muslim and live in Herat during the reign of the Talaban. Some horrific things happen and Nasreen develops elective mutism. Her grandmother, showing great courage, and hoping to help her, enrolls her in an illegal school. How the experience at school eventually helps Nasreen is inspiring and heartwarming.
I love how the characters’ Muslim religion is shown in a positive light and it’s the soldiers and Talaban who are shown to be the people causing problems.
The illustrations are lovely and I enjoy how their content changed as Nasreen learns about the world, its art and culture, and how she also makes a friend.
It’s infuriating how females were (are) not allowed their freedoms, including the opportunity to be educated. The importance of education is shown in this simple but powerful story.
December 30, 2015
From the website of the National Coalition Against Censorship: December 2013 - Parents in Southold, Islip, West Islip, and East Islip, New York, asked school boards to ban Jeanette Winter's Nasreen’s Secret School and The Librarian of Basra because they claimed the books promote Islam. One school board member feared the titles were used to promote "the social justice agenda and pro-Muslim agenda." Read it for yourself and see. This book actually promotes education (specifically, the secret education of girls in an oppressed society where said education is not permitted), the empowerment of women, the closeness of family, respect for the arts, culture, literature, and scholarship, the horror of life for children in a war-torn land, and the deep, spiritual love of a grandmother for her granddaughter. Just read it. Read it and defy people who promote fear and hatred through censorship.
October 11, 2020
Children can learn the following from this picture book:
1) Content: - about another country, its culture and laws
- about how laws can change
- about oppression of women
2) Language and Literature: - the power of simple sentences
- presenting point of view in a narrative
- first person recount
- how words combine with images to convey meaning
3) Human life: - about human determination & overcoming despair
- about family love
- about friendship
- the power of books and education
So why ask for this book to be banned???
1) Content: - about another country, its culture and laws
- about how laws can change
- about oppression of women
2) Language and Literature: - the power of simple sentences
- presenting point of view in a narrative
- first person recount
- how words combine with images to convey meaning
3) Human life: - about human determination & overcoming despair
- about family love
- about friendship
- the power of books and education
So why ask for this book to be banned???
January 30, 2014
This picture book treads gently through a difficult subject. Not only is Nasreen forbidden to attend school , but she is traumatized by the probable death of her parents. Learning becomes not only an end in itself, but a means to heal deep wounds that are felt throughout her community. The book takes pains to present the pre-Taliban world when Afghani women had some measure of freedom. The book is narrated by Nasreen's grandmother who helps her attend a secret school for girls.
September 30, 2010
Thanks to the Children’s Picture Book Club, I had a chance to read this book. It is a true story of a girl named Nasreen who lost both her parents when the Taliban reigned in Afghanistan. After losing her parents, Nasreen stopped talking. I can only imagine how that must have felt! The story is uplifting and shows the ability of Nasreen’s caring grandmother to find a way to help Nasreen become educated in a seemingly impossible situation. My favorite page is the description of how Nasreen no longer feels alone. I learned a few things in the author’s note and feel more educated about life in Afghanistan. Nasreen, her grandmother, the parents, and students who supported this forbidden school were extremely courages. I feel even more blessed to have the education opportunities I have had and the opportunities my daughter will have. I do feel that the notes and the content of the story are not for very young readers. Some children may be sensitive toward its content.
September 24, 2014
I read this for Banned Books Week.
Challenged in Johnson City, N.Y. schools as a suggested reading (2013) because
of violent illustrations and storyline. The book is about the Taliban taking control of an Afghan village and preventing girls from going to school. After Nasreen’s father is kidnapped and presumed killed, her grandmother smuggles her each day to an underground school where she can learn to read and write.
It always surprises me when a book based on true events is challenged because of violence. The solution is not to promote ignorance of atrocities committed, but to change the behavior of a society that allows them to occur.
Challenged in Johnson City, N.Y. schools as a suggested reading (2013) because
of violent illustrations and storyline. The book is about the Taliban taking control of an Afghan village and preventing girls from going to school. After Nasreen’s father is kidnapped and presumed killed, her grandmother smuggles her each day to an underground school where she can learn to read and write.
It always surprises me when a book based on true events is challenged because of violence. The solution is not to promote ignorance of atrocities committed, but to change the behavior of a society that allows them to occur.
April 1, 2020
When Nasreen's father is arrested by the repressive Taliban regime, and her mother disappears while out searching for news of him, the young Afghan girl retreats inward, building walls of silence and stillness around herself. Her grandmother, worried that she might never emerge from this internal exile, takes the extraordinary step of enrolling her in one of the secret and highly illegal schools for girls set up in Afghanistan, in defiance of the Taliban. Will books and learning "open her eyes to the world," as her grandmother hopes, or will Nasreen remain wrapped in a world of silent mourning...?
One of our September selections, over in the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where the theme is "back-to-school books," Nasreen's Secret School is a moving portrait of a young girl caught up in frightening adult events well beyond her control. Nasreen's response - to shut down completely - struck me as completely believable, and terribly poignant. Her grandmother's courage, in defying an unjust law, and her faith in the power of education, left me reflecting on how much we take for granted, as both children and adults, when we speak of school, and the choices we have made, or intend to make.
Choice itself is something we take for granted, and Winter's simple narrative, one of many true stories from around the globe that she has turned into picture-books, will bring that truth home to readers young and old. The accompanying illustrations, done in acrylic paint, emphasize the menace that surrounds Nasreen, and her smallness in a large and frightening world. Recommended to anyone - parents, librarians, teachers - looking for books to explain the effects of the Taliban regime to children, or to teach how precious a gift schooling is.
One of our September selections, over in the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where the theme is "back-to-school books," Nasreen's Secret School is a moving portrait of a young girl caught up in frightening adult events well beyond her control. Nasreen's response - to shut down completely - struck me as completely believable, and terribly poignant. Her grandmother's courage, in defying an unjust law, and her faith in the power of education, left me reflecting on how much we take for granted, as both children and adults, when we speak of school, and the choices we have made, or intend to make.
Choice itself is something we take for granted, and Winter's simple narrative, one of many true stories from around the globe that she has turned into picture-books, will bring that truth home to readers young and old. The accompanying illustrations, done in acrylic paint, emphasize the menace that surrounds Nasreen, and her smallness in a large and frightening world. Recommended to anyone - parents, librarians, teachers - looking for books to explain the effects of the Taliban regime to children, or to teach how precious a gift schooling is.
February 21, 2022
Nasreen has not spoken since soldiers took away her parents, and now she is forbidden to attend school. To help her, Nasreen's grandmother enrolls her in a secret school for girls. As time passes, Nasreen makes a friend, learns many things, and gradually begins to speak again.
Based on a true story set in Afghanistan.
Based on a true story set in Afghanistan.
June 13, 2017
I got carried away reserving banned books at my library. Some of them, including this one, were children's books. This one is a true story about a little girl in Afghanistan whose Father was taken by soldiers and is left with her grandma when her mother goes in search of him. She refuses to speak until she meets a friend at a secret school that is being run for girls. Quite interesting and I would not think twice about letting a child read it.
September 7, 2016
Beautiful true story about the power of education to overcome fear and repression. I would like to read more about these secret schools for girls in Afghanistan. I hope someone writes a book on it soon! Highly recommended!
July 19, 2020
This is an excellent, inspiring book about the value of education and the courage that exists in families and in communities. It feels all the more relevant in Summer 2020 when it is harder than ever for students to go to school.
The simple text and evocative illustrations make the simple, often repeated messages stand out and feel fresh.
I am shocked to learn that this book is controversial. It was #9 on ALA's banned/challenged list in 2015 for violence and religious viewpoint. I'm not going to waste my time explaining how wrong that is. It's wrong and you should go read this great book. Appropriate for Pre-K and up.
The simple text and evocative illustrations make the simple, often repeated messages stand out and feel fresh.
I am shocked to learn that this book is controversial. It was #9 on ALA's banned/challenged list in 2015 for violence and religious viewpoint. I'm not going to waste my time explaining how wrong that is. It's wrong and you should go read this great book. Appropriate for Pre-K and up.
April 20, 2018
“Nasreen’s Secret School” is a beautiful informational text about the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan and the effect it had on women and girls. This book is told from the perspective of Nasreen’s grandmother as they deal with Nasreen’s parents, the grandmother’s son and wife, being stripped away from the family. The grandmother is determined to get Nasreen to school so her mind may be opened to all the world has to offer and how Herat used to be before the rule of the Taliban. They discover through hushed talk behind closed doors that there is a secret school for girls nearby and Nasreen begins attending there each day. Despite her interactions with classmates, learning, and teachers, Nasreen remains depressed and silent always keeping to herself. That is until a fellow classmate tells Nasreen she missed her over the winter and Nasreen finally feels comfortable enough to share and get her emotions out in the open. This is when her ability to learn and flourish truly takes off. Nasreen begins to see the beauty that once was behind all of the hate and darkness that is. The story ends with the grandmother taking solice in the fact that although they still are waiting on the return of Nasreen’s parents, the experiences and knowledge which Nasreen has gained can never be taken away. I would use this book in 4th and 5th as they would be able to begin to understand this idea of the world not being fair and evil people wanting to gain power. I would use this book to teach social studies and multiple perspectives on schools and governments. This is a sad truth that students must understand within our world. Thankfully the rule of the Taliban has ceased, but this does not mean there is not still evil in the world. I also think a lesson on empathy and gratitude can be gleaned from this book as students compare their own experiences to the experience of Nasreen. This book truly gave me chills at the end making me reflect on my own experiences. I think often education is taken for granted in America. It was so moving to hear about these brave and courageous women who persisted and ensured their daughters received education in light of a horrible situation. This was definitely a WOW book. Because of the sensitive subject of violence and “religious viewpoint” this book made its way to 2015’s Top Ten most challenged books. I think the religious reason is a bit of a stretch as it only mentions the Karan when discussing how the girls had to hide their school from the Taliban and once or twice the grandmother mentions her prayers to Allah for the little girl. There is nothing inappropriate about this book and I am sure a book with similar mentionings based on the Christian faith would never be challenged due to religious reasons. There is the issue of discussing the Taliban and who they are but this can easily be made elementary and would be up to teacher disgression on what her students can and cannot handle. It is a part of life and I in no way see how an exposure to this truth could be harmful to a child as long as it is done factually and appropriately.
January 21, 2020
Nasreen's Secret School is an almost heartwarming story of a young girl in Taliban controlled Afghanistan. I say almost heartwarming because it doesn't have the happiest ending; however, it does not detract from the story at all. In fact, it adds to the quality of the story because it's a common occurrence for families in Afghanistan to have a family member taken away and to remove it would only half tell the story. I enjoyed that it was told from the perspective of Nasreen's grandmother. She provides a distinction between pre-Taliban Afghanistan and Taliban controlled Afghanistan where previously, girls were allowed to read and learn and the hijab wasn't worn as much, compared to now where girls are not allowed to attend schools and the hijab is not technically mandatory but there's pressure to wear it. The story is a wonderful way to introduce the everyday heroes and survivors and their resilience through war to children. It also can serve as a female empowerment story because it's common women defying the orders of the Taliban to hopefully save the country one day.
February 27, 2018
I would recommend this informational book to 3rd grade readers everywhere. "Nasreen's Secret School" is a wonderful, complex picture book about the secret schools for girls in Afghanistan during the 1996-2001 reign of the Taliban. I love how the author tells the story from a grandmother's point of view while including intricate illustrations on every page. This book will open any young reader's eyes to historical events that have taken place within our global community.
I think that this book could be used in a 3rd grade classroom in the disciplines of social studies and language arts. In the context of a social studies lesson, students could read this story and do further research on the effects of the Taliban's reign on female education. They could create timelines about the events that took place in Afghanistan during this time period in order to fully understand the time period and context from which this story was written. In addition to using this book in social studies, I think it would be a neat language arts lesson for students to write their own stories about where the main character, Nasreen, is now. The story tells a beautiful story of Nasreen attending a secret school to become educated but does not tell us about her life after her schooling. It would be interesting to see what students think she will have done with her education as an "addition" to the story. These are just a few on the numerous ways that educators could incorporate this story into their classrooms.
This book was a WOW book for me because the story line engaged both my mind and my heart. As I read of Nasreen's family and their struggles with the Taliban in Afghanistan, I was both intrigued by the storyline while being educated on these historical events. I love how this book is based on the true experiences of families during this time and how it opened my eyes to how easily I have taken for granted my education.
*this book is banned in some school districts for making references to other religions outside of Christianity
I think that this book could be used in a 3rd grade classroom in the disciplines of social studies and language arts. In the context of a social studies lesson, students could read this story and do further research on the effects of the Taliban's reign on female education. They could create timelines about the events that took place in Afghanistan during this time period in order to fully understand the time period and context from which this story was written. In addition to using this book in social studies, I think it would be a neat language arts lesson for students to write their own stories about where the main character, Nasreen, is now. The story tells a beautiful story of Nasreen attending a secret school to become educated but does not tell us about her life after her schooling. It would be interesting to see what students think she will have done with her education as an "addition" to the story. These are just a few on the numerous ways that educators could incorporate this story into their classrooms.
This book was a WOW book for me because the story line engaged both my mind and my heart. As I read of Nasreen's family and their struggles with the Taliban in Afghanistan, I was both intrigued by the storyline while being educated on these historical events. I love how this book is based on the true experiences of families during this time and how it opened my eyes to how easily I have taken for granted my education.
*this book is banned in some school districts for making references to other religions outside of Christianity
April 23, 2018
Informational Text
"Nasreen's Secret School" is a based on a true story of a young girl, Nasreen, in Afghanistan where girls were not allowed to go to school. The Taliban soldiers take away her father and then her mother soon disappears after she goes out to look for him. Nasreen stops talking after their disappearances. Her grandmother then takes her to the secret school for girls where Nasreen makes a friend, gets an education, and speaks again. This is a powerful text for students in grades 3-4 with illustrations that help accompany the text.
This complex picture book could be used in an integrated ELA and Social Studies lesson. Students could have this book as an introduction to learning about another country, such as Afghanistan. Students could have to research about another countries school system and culture as the book talks about how girls were not allowed to go to school because the Taliban did not want them to. This book could also be used as a community building exercise. I think it would be a good book to read aloud to students towards the middle-end of the school year as students are getting tired of school; this book demonstrates the value of an education and could be used to motivate students to finish the school year strong.
For me this was a wow book because of the topics it covered. I think talking about Afghanistan and the Taliban is something that is hard for teachers to talk about because they don't know much about them; this book is a powerful way to talk about another country. I liked that this story was told from the grandmothers point of view because that was a unique aspect to the book.
-This is a banned book due to violence and the religious viewpoint: https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=4611
"Nasreen's Secret School" is a based on a true story of a young girl, Nasreen, in Afghanistan where girls were not allowed to go to school. The Taliban soldiers take away her father and then her mother soon disappears after she goes out to look for him. Nasreen stops talking after their disappearances. Her grandmother then takes her to the secret school for girls where Nasreen makes a friend, gets an education, and speaks again. This is a powerful text for students in grades 3-4 with illustrations that help accompany the text.
This complex picture book could be used in an integrated ELA and Social Studies lesson. Students could have this book as an introduction to learning about another country, such as Afghanistan. Students could have to research about another countries school system and culture as the book talks about how girls were not allowed to go to school because the Taliban did not want them to. This book could also be used as a community building exercise. I think it would be a good book to read aloud to students towards the middle-end of the school year as students are getting tired of school; this book demonstrates the value of an education and could be used to motivate students to finish the school year strong.
For me this was a wow book because of the topics it covered. I think talking about Afghanistan and the Taliban is something that is hard for teachers to talk about because they don't know much about them; this book is a powerful way to talk about another country. I liked that this story was told from the grandmothers point of view because that was a unique aspect to the book.
-This is a banned book due to violence and the religious viewpoint: https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=4611
April 23, 2018
Nasreen’s Secret School is a book that gives factual information in a way that makes it easier for a reader to understand. This book would be classified under the genre informational texts. This text would most likely be best for 3rd graders.
One way I could use this text in a classroom is to talk about the taliban's, and how life was in Afghanistan during that time. This book opens the door for that conversation and information. Although some information is learned from it, there is still much more that can be discovered. Another idea for the classroom would be to compare the life in Afghanistan during that time versus life in the United States during that time, specifically regarding school. Another topic, although maybe too intense could be privilege. Reflecting on our own lives to see how we are privileged. Sometimes it is hard for students to understand how lucky they are to be able to go to school. This book can be taken many directions, whether from using the factual part, or the messages behind the story.
This book was a WOW book for me because I loved how it gave hard information straightforward. It is important that sometimes things aren’t always softened too much for kids. Information has to be given directly to them even if it is scary because students can handle it. There is a line between harsh and direct, and this book did a good job at being direct but not too harsh. I think this story does a good job at also making the audience empathize with the characters. I also was very engaged by the pictures.
This was my challenged/banned book.
One way I could use this text in a classroom is to talk about the taliban's, and how life was in Afghanistan during that time. This book opens the door for that conversation and information. Although some information is learned from it, there is still much more that can be discovered. Another idea for the classroom would be to compare the life in Afghanistan during that time versus life in the United States during that time, specifically regarding school. Another topic, although maybe too intense could be privilege. Reflecting on our own lives to see how we are privileged. Sometimes it is hard for students to understand how lucky they are to be able to go to school. This book can be taken many directions, whether from using the factual part, or the messages behind the story.
This book was a WOW book for me because I loved how it gave hard information straightforward. It is important that sometimes things aren’t always softened too much for kids. Information has to be given directly to them even if it is scary because students can handle it. There is a line between harsh and direct, and this book did a good job at being direct but not too harsh. I think this story does a good job at also making the audience empathize with the characters. I also was very engaged by the pictures.
This was my challenged/banned book.
March 24, 2019
As one of the most frequently challenged books in 2015, Nasreen's Secret School: A true story from Afghanistan has been banned for it's religious viewpoints, unsuited for the age group written for and violence. Written for children ages 6-9, the content of the book hits pretty close to 9/11 and another viewpoint to terrorism. It also has caused controversy in the fact that her father is taken, presumably killed, and her grandmother has to smuggle her into school. also the fact that religion is visible in the book can also cause controversy, as public schools separate church and state.
I do not agree with the censorship of this book. I think that in discussing the history of the United States, terrorism is a huge factor, and where I am from (Colorado Springs) so many families have loved ones over in Afghanistan. It's important to show that the United States isn't the only place where terrorism has happened. In the Middle East, terrorism was a daily way of living and any one who questioned was eliminated. As 9/11 drifts further into our history, terrorism does not and I think it's important to show and inform students what terrorism looks like in other countries.
As teachers I think it's important to give our students all the information they need to make their own, informed discussions and opinions about the world. Topics like slavery, racism, terrorism, climate change I believe are topics needed to be taught in schools. They are current issues and as future members of our society, they need to informed and exposed to these issues.
I do not agree with the censorship of this book. I think that in discussing the history of the United States, terrorism is a huge factor, and where I am from (Colorado Springs) so many families have loved ones over in Afghanistan. It's important to show that the United States isn't the only place where terrorism has happened. In the Middle East, terrorism was a daily way of living and any one who questioned was eliminated. As 9/11 drifts further into our history, terrorism does not and I think it's important to show and inform students what terrorism looks like in other countries.
As teachers I think it's important to give our students all the information they need to make their own, informed discussions and opinions about the world. Topics like slavery, racism, terrorism, climate change I believe are topics needed to be taught in schools. They are current issues and as future members of our society, they need to informed and exposed to these issues.
October 26, 2011
This story is written from the perspective of Nasreen's grandmother. Her son, Nasreen's father, was taken away by Taliban soldiers, who, during this time, controlled Afghanistan. Once Nasreen's mother left in search of her husband, Nasreen no longer speaks. Her grandmother finds a secret school for girls, where she brings Nasreen. Nasreen eventually trusts a friend there enough to speak to her. As Nasreen awaits the return of her mother and father, she eases out of her sadness, using the knowledge she builds from school as a vehicle. The story's ending is bittersweet because Nasreen and her grandmother rise above the soldier's control, but the parents have yet to return.
This is an inspiring true story of a young girl's courage through difficult times and the impact of an education. The author was approached to write the book for The Global Fund for Children, which is a non-profit organization that helps children around the world advance through community-based organizations.
This book is appropriate for grades 1 through 4. There is a strong theme-based connection between this story and Under the Persimmon Tree, which is centered around very similar themes. These include the 1996-2001 reign of the Taliban over Afghanistan, education for girls, the loss and search for family, and the power of trust in others. It provides children with a window into the world of other children struggling through difficult circumstances.
This is an inspiring true story of a young girl's courage through difficult times and the impact of an education. The author was approached to write the book for The Global Fund for Children, which is a non-profit organization that helps children around the world advance through community-based organizations.
This book is appropriate for grades 1 through 4. There is a strong theme-based connection between this story and Under the Persimmon Tree, which is centered around very similar themes. These include the 1996-2001 reign of the Taliban over Afghanistan, education for girls, the loss and search for family, and the power of trust in others. It provides children with a window into the world of other children struggling through difficult circumstances.
October 21, 2010
"Nasreen's Secret School" is based on a true story about a girl in pre-wear Afghanistan, whose parents disappeared due to the unjust action of some the Taliban government. Because of the immense loss, Nasreen stopped talking and shut herself out from the world. Her worried and caring grandmother decided to send Nasreen to a secret school for girls behind the green gate. She wanted her to experience and learn about other worlds. This book goes into Nasreen's journey at school and her eventual emergence back to the "older" but now wiser Nasreen.
This picture book is an excellent heart-tugging read for the primary level grades. Readers are immediately saddened by Nasreen and her grandmother's loss as well as the fear they all live in. The grandmother's love for Nasreen and her eventual happiness at school are heart warming as well. The watercolor pictures are fabulous--they are small but the brushstrokes are so vivid that every detail comes to life. Also, Nasreen's religion and culture are not depicted in stereotypical ways. Readers are exposed to the strict and unfair laws of the Taliban government but there is no judgement passed on her religion/culture. The illustrator paints each moment in a "window frame" because the secret school opens up Nasreen's eyes to the different "windows" in the world. This picture book emphasizes the value of love and education.
This picture book is an excellent heart-tugging read for the primary level grades. Readers are immediately saddened by Nasreen and her grandmother's loss as well as the fear they all live in. The grandmother's love for Nasreen and her eventual happiness at school are heart warming as well. The watercolor pictures are fabulous--they are small but the brushstrokes are so vivid that every detail comes to life. Also, Nasreen's religion and culture are not depicted in stereotypical ways. Readers are exposed to the strict and unfair laws of the Taliban government but there is no judgement passed on her religion/culture. The illustrator paints each moment in a "window frame" because the secret school opens up Nasreen's eyes to the different "windows" in the world. This picture book emphasizes the value of love and education.
March 6, 2013
I have been searching for books to share with my students that give them some insight into different cultures. This is a Jane Addams Children's Book winner from 2010, and it certainly does the job.
This a true story told about a girl named Nasreen who is living in Afghanistan during the Taliban reign. Girls are not allowed to attend school so she spends her days in her house. Her father is taken away from their home, her mother leaves to find him, and her grandmother is left to care for her. Nasreen stops speaking and her grandmother feels that the best thing would be for Nasreen to attend a secret school. This story goes on to tell about how the school survives and how it helps Nasreen.
In my 5th grade class, my students have been learning about the constitution and the development of our country. After many conversations through the past months about immigrants coming to the US in search of freedom, I felt this would be a good story to read to them to help them understand how some children live in other countries without certain freedoms today. They were amazed by the story and it prompted many questions that led to an excellent discussion in the class.
I highly recommend it for upper elementary students.
This a true story told about a girl named Nasreen who is living in Afghanistan during the Taliban reign. Girls are not allowed to attend school so she spends her days in her house. Her father is taken away from their home, her mother leaves to find him, and her grandmother is left to care for her. Nasreen stops speaking and her grandmother feels that the best thing would be for Nasreen to attend a secret school. This story goes on to tell about how the school survives and how it helps Nasreen.
In my 5th grade class, my students have been learning about the constitution and the development of our country. After many conversations through the past months about immigrants coming to the US in search of freedom, I felt this would be a good story to read to them to help them understand how some children live in other countries without certain freedoms today. They were amazed by the story and it prompted many questions that led to an excellent discussion in the class.
I highly recommend it for upper elementary students.
October 7, 2016
Second Banned Book (picture, based on true story)
Nasreen’s parents disappeared and she has not spoken since then. On top of that she lives during some hard times in Afghanistan where girls are not allowed to go to school. However, her grandmother enrolls her in a secret school where Nasreen is expose to new knowledge and is able to slowly come out of her depression. The illustrations are very colorful and clearly display the events of the story. This book is appropriate for children ages 6 to 9 and it can be use to teach central message, lesson, or moral. It is not part of a series but Jeanette Winters has written other similar stories that would be great to read such as Malaa, a Brave Girl from Pakistan, Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan, and The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq. Some potential problems are the violence portrayed of the war, religious viewpoints, and the loss of the parents can be a bit much for young children.
Nasreen’s parents disappeared and she has not spoken since then. On top of that she lives during some hard times in Afghanistan where girls are not allowed to go to school. However, her grandmother enrolls her in a secret school where Nasreen is expose to new knowledge and is able to slowly come out of her depression. The illustrations are very colorful and clearly display the events of the story. This book is appropriate for children ages 6 to 9 and it can be use to teach central message, lesson, or moral. It is not part of a series but Jeanette Winters has written other similar stories that would be great to read such as Malaa, a Brave Girl from Pakistan, Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan, and The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq. Some potential problems are the violence portrayed of the war, religious viewpoints, and the loss of the parents can be a bit much for young children.
September 28, 2018
"The knowledge she holds inside will always be with her like a good friend." These words paint a vivid picture of how education can be used as an instrument of freedom. During the reign of the Taliban, Nasreen's father is taken away. Her mother goes searching for him but never returns. Left in the care of her wise grandmother, Nasreen is introduced to a much bigger world from behind the walls of a secret school. Here, she finds something that can never be stolen!
This book is powerfully poignant. Although it has been frequently challenged for its religious viewpoint, violence, and age appropriateness - it is not overtly graphic. It provides readers with a bird's eye view of the hardships experienced by those oppressed under the Taliban's regime. This is an excellent book to add to inclusive book collections, expose children to worlds that may differ from their own, and foster cross-cultural tolerance.
This book is powerfully poignant. Although it has been frequently challenged for its religious viewpoint, violence, and age appropriateness - it is not overtly graphic. It provides readers with a bird's eye view of the hardships experienced by those oppressed under the Taliban's regime. This is an excellent book to add to inclusive book collections, expose children to worlds that may differ from their own, and foster cross-cultural tolerance.
February 20, 2013
Written from the perspective of someone who dearly loved the main character, you will read about the life of a little girl who will lose both her parents and will at one point just stop talking. Her grandmother could not bare to see her so unhappy, i mean how could she? After hearing about a secret school for girls, because in Afghanistan it was illegal for girls to go to school, Nasreen's grandmother signs her up and is willing to give everything up so that her granddaughter can get an education. Parents should read this book to their children knowing that it is appropriate for the child to learn to appreciate their education. Obviously with different ages, different perspectives, different themes or points will arise but at least the child learns something.
September 26, 2016
This book frequently ends up on the 'banned books' list. Based on that, I decided to read it to my daughter because I have found that these most often censored books are usually the most important ones you can read to small children.
My daughter is 5 and I elected to read the author's note at the beginning of the book which explains a lot about what has happened in Afghanistan and what created the scenario that plays out in this book.
The book is sad and hopeful, which is what you would expect. I got a bit choked up reading the author's note, but the story itself is a bit lighter. I don't know if the story would make much sense without the author's note, at least, my daughter would have had a lot of questions without the author's note.
My daughter is 5 and I elected to read the author's note at the beginning of the book which explains a lot about what has happened in Afghanistan and what created the scenario that plays out in this book.
The book is sad and hopeful, which is what you would expect. I got a bit choked up reading the author's note, but the story itself is a bit lighter. I don't know if the story would make much sense without the author's note, at least, my daughter would have had a lot of questions without the author's note.
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